The bump up from 3.5 to 4.0* seems to always come with the same general response: “IT’S ABOUT DANG TIME. Stupid computer. Like, of course, I’m not a 3.5. Gah, the embarrassment I’ve had to endure…”

The bump up from 4.0 to 4.5* also seems to always come with its own general response: “The USTA rating system is a joke! There goes a year of my life. I’m going to get killed. I am NOT a 4.5. You’re kidding, right? Well, there went winning…”

*I’m using specific ratings a) because it’s true and b) to make the post easier to follow, but of course, these feelings of joy or dread can be applied at any level. We all know people who were convinced being bumped up to 4.0 was the end of their tennis world as they knew it. And then quit tennis. Sigh.